RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
At US$350, this sits below the US$373 25th percentile and well under the US$397 median, so it reads as a strong deal rather than just a fair ask. For a Harman Kardon integrated from a respected vintage era, that’s the kind of price that should get attention quickly.
The HK 505 is appealing if you want a straightforward, musical two-channel amp with the warm, easygoing HK house sound and enough vintage charm to pair well with efficient speakers. The upside here is the combination of low entry cost and established desirability; if it’s clean, fully functional, and hasn’t been butchered, this looks like a smart buy. At this price, the main checks are basic condition, noiseless controls, and proof it powers up and plays properly.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Harman Kardon traces its origins to 1953, when Dr. Sidney Harman and Bernard Kardon, both engineers frustrated with conservative audio manufacturing at the David Bogen Company, invested $5,000 each to launch their venture in Westbury, New York. Their debut product, the Festival D1000, became the world's first compact AM/FM hi-fi receiver, blending breakthrough technology with sleek design to make high-fidelity sound accessible beyond technical enthusiasts. Pioneering innovations like the 1958 Festival TA230 stereo receiver, the 1959 Citation II ultra-wide bandwidth tube amplifier, and the 1970 CAD5 hi-fi cassette recorder with Dolby noise reduction cemented their legacy in simplifying premium audio for the home.
The brand focuses on integrated receivers, amplifiers, tuners, and speakers that emphasize performance, reliability, and elegant industrial design. Over decades, it expanded into home theater systems and automotive audio, powering systems in vehicles from Land Rover and BMW to Volvo and Polestar. While not delving into turntables, DACs, headphones, or cables, Harman Kardon prioritizes cohesive hi-fi components that deliver warm, detailed sound without unnecessary complexity.
Harman Kardon holds a solid mid-tier position in the hi-fi market, renowned among knowledgeable buyers for its enduring quality and value rather than ultra-high-end exotica or vintage collector status. Now part of Harman International, it appeals to discerning listeners seeking dependable, stylish gear that echoes its innovative heritage without commanding boutique premiums.
See all Harman Kardon listings on RADAR.
